Totex model includes cost of smart meter, head end system, meter data management, communication system, cloud storage charges, other software testing and cyber security charges, operation and maintenance charges for 93 months. The central government scheme envisages that the amount spent for this will be collected from the consumers in 93 monthly installments. The implementation of this model of entrusting maintenance and operation to the agency for a fixed period of time was opposed by the labor unions in the state.
In the new system, the software for billing and related services will be developed by KSEB itself. With the arrival of K-Phone, data communication will be done using fiber optic cable provided free of cost to KSEB. Data storage can also be done using KSEB data center.
The work of replacing old meter and installing smart meter will be done by KSEB staff. Not all existing customers of KSEB will be fitted with a smart meter. As a first step, the system will be introduced for industrial and commercial users. Less than three lakh people will be part of this system.
The chief minister said that the chief secretary should discuss with the secretaries of the department whether the dues received by KSEB from government institutions and public sector institutions can be paid by December this year.
The Chief Minister suggested that load shedding should be avoided. The Minister of Power stated that the Chief Minister said that it is not possible to generate the necessary electricity from the hydropower projects in Kerala alone.
